Hailu Mergia is one of Ethiopia’s premier accordion, keyboard and synthesizer players. Perhaps best known as the keyboardist of the Walias Band from Addis Ababa, Mergia awed American audiences after his move to the U.S. in the early '80s to seek political asylum. His solo album, Hailu Mergia and His Classical Instrument, was extremely well received. You can read about his musical journey in his own words, here. His latest project is a trio with musicians Alemseged Kebede and Kenneth Joseph, both based in Washington D.C.
Mergia performs with his trio on Fri., July 1, at Pioneer Works in Brooklyn, NY. He will be supported by the Anbessa Orchestra, formerly know as Lions, an Ethiopian funk band based in New York.
EP by Anbessa Orchestra
To enter our two-ticket giveaway, email us at info@afropop.org with “Hailu Mergia” in the subject line. You can get tickets and more information here.